EP1040241B1 - Dispositif de nettoyage par aspiration pour piscines - Google Patents

Dispositif de nettoyage par aspiration pour piscines Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1040241B1
EP1040241B1 EP99942390A EP99942390A EP1040241B1 EP 1040241 B1 EP1040241 B1 EP 1040241B1 EP 99942390 A EP99942390 A EP 99942390A EP 99942390 A EP99942390 A EP 99942390A EP 1040241 B1 EP1040241 B1 EP 1040241B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaner
pool
head
valve
pool cleaner
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99942390A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP1040241B8 (fr
EP1040241A4 (fr
EP1040241A1 (fr
Inventor
Herman Stoltz
Ronald J. Sargent
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Zodiac Pool Systems LLC
Original Assignee
Polaris Pool Systems Inc
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1040241A1 publication Critical patent/EP1040241A1/fr
Publication of EP1040241A4 publication Critical patent/EP1040241A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1040241B1 publication Critical patent/EP1040241B1/fr
Publication of EP1040241B8 publication Critical patent/EP1040241B8/fr
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
    • E04H4/16—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for specially adapted for cleaning
    • E04H4/1654—Self-propelled cleaners
    • E04H4/1663—Self-propelled cleaners the propulsion resulting from an intermittent interruption of the waterflow through the cleaner

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to automatic pool cleaning devices for travel over submerged surfaces of a swimming pool or the like to pick up and collect accumulated debris such as leaves, twigs, sand and silt. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved pool cleaner of the so-called suction or vacuum powered type, having means for cyclic interruption of water flow to generate pulsating forces which cause the pool cleaner to advance in steps over submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool.
  • the suction powered pool cleaner of the present invention includes improved drive means for generating the requisite pulsating forces to drive the cleaner in a reliable manner, with reduced risk of stalling upon ingestion of large debris.
  • swimming pools conventionally include a water filtration system including a pump for drawing or suctioning water from the pool for circulation through a filter canister having filter media therein to remove and collect water-entrained debris such as leaves and twigs as well as fine particulate including sand and silt. From the filter canister, the water is recirculated to the pool via one or more return lines.
  • a water filtration system including a pump for drawing or suctioning water from the pool for circulation through a filter canister having filter media therein to remove and collect water-entrained debris such as leaves and twigs as well as fine particulate including sand and silt. From the filter canister, the water is recirculated to the pool via one or more return lines.
  • Such filtration system is normally operated for several hours on a daily basis and serves, in combination with traditional chemical treatments such as chlorination or the like, to maintain the pool water in a clean and clear sanitary state.
  • the water filtration system is ineffective to filter out debris which settles onto submerged floor and side wall surfaces of the swimming pool.
  • settled debris has typically been removed by coupling a vacuum hose to the suction side of the pool water filtration system, such as by connecting the vacuum hose to a skimmer well located near the water surface at one side of the pool, and then manually moving a vacuum head coupled to the hose over the submerged pool surfaces to vacuum settled debris directly to the filter canister where it is collected and separated from the pool water.
  • manual vacuuming of a swimming pool is a labor intensive task and is thus not typically performed by the pool owner or pool cleaning service personnel on a daily basis.
  • Automatic pool cleaner devices have been developed over the years for cleaning submerged pool surfaces, thereby substantially eliminating the need for labor intensive manual vacuuming.
  • Such automatic pool cleaners typically comprise a relatively compact cleaner housing or head coupled to the pool water filtration system by a hose and including water-powered means for causing the cleaner to travel about within a swimming pool to dislodge and collect settled debris.
  • the pool cleaner is connected to the return or pressure side of the filtration system for receiving positive pressure water which powers a turbine for rotatably driving cleaner wheels, and also functions by venturi action to draw settled debris into a filter bag. See, for example, U.S. Patents 3,882,574 ; 4,558,479 ; 4,589,986 ; and 4,734,954 .
  • the pool cleaner is coupled to the suction side of the filtration system, whereby water is drawn through the pool cleaner to operate a drive mechanism for transporting the cleaner within the pool while vacuuming settled debris to the filter canister of the pool filtration system.
  • a drive mechanism for transporting the cleaner within the pool while vacuuming settled debris to the filter canister of the pool filtration system.
  • positive pressure type cleaners are generally regarded as providing better collection of large debris such as leaves in a removable filter bag, to prevent such large debris from being drawn into and potentially clogging the filter canister of the pool water filtration system.
  • Positive pressure cleaners are also generally viewed as having superior random travel for improved overall coverage of submerged pool surfaces.
  • positive pressure cleaners normally exhibit better periodic back-up or reverse function to resist entrapment in a sharp corner or the like within a pool.
  • a suction side cleaner normally can be coupled by a vacuum hose directly into the existing skimmer well of a pool, for relatively simplified connection to the suction side of the filtration system in a pool that is not equipped with a pre-installed suction side cleaner flow line.
  • suction side cleaners are designed for operation without requiring an additional booster pump. Accordingly, suction side cleaners have tended to be somewhat less costly to install, in comparison with pressure side cleaners.
  • additional collection devices such as auxiliary leaf canisters and the like are generally required to capture large debris and thereby prevent ingestion of large leaves and the like into the filter canister of the filtration system.
  • GB-A-2182551 represents the closest prior art and shows a flow interruption type swimming pool cleaning device including a head having a flow channel therethrough.
  • a valve element biased to an open position, is arranged to close the flow channel intermittently when water flows through the flow channel in use.
  • a variable volume chamber biased to a distended position and communicating with the flow channel is provided downstream of the valve for enhancing operation of the valve in use.
  • the valve element may take the form of a pivotally mounted flap and the variable chamber may be provided by a piston and cylinder arrangement, or by an enlargement of the flow channel in the form of an elastomeric sleeve.
  • valve member typically in the form of a diaphragm or shuttle type valve adapted for movement between open and closed positions at a cyclic rate to disrupt the suction flow in a manner creating pressure surges or pulsations of sufficient magnitude to propel the cleaner in a forward direction in a series of incremental steps.
  • this valve member has been susceptible to clogging upon ingestion of debris vacuumed from a submerged pool surface. Clogging of the valve member not only results in undesirable stalling or interruption in cleaner operation, but also creates a risk of cavitation and potential failure of the filtration system pump.
  • an improved pool cleaner of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source for vacuuming debris settled upon submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool or the like.
  • the pool cleaner comprises a compact housing or head adapted for connection to a vacuum hose or the like coupled in turn to the suction side of a conventional pool water filtration system.
  • the cleaner head defines a suction inlet through which water and debris are drawn from an underlying pool surface for flow to the vacuum hose.
  • a main control valve is pivotally mounted within the cleaner head for oscillatory motion between an open position and a substantially or nearly closed position relative to an annular valve seat for intermittently disrupting the suction water flow to create pressure fluctuations or pulsations of sufficient magnitude to advance the cleaner head over a submerged pool surface in a series of incremental steps.
  • the cleaner head has a downwardly open lower foot defining the suction inlet, with a flexible perforated mat or disk extending radially outwardly from the head in surrounding relation to the suction inlet.
  • Water is drawn radially inwardly beneath as well as downwardly through the perforated disk to the suction inlet to sweep dirt and debris from an underlying pool surface for flow into a plenum chamber formed within the cleaner head. From the plenum chamber, the water and debris is drawn further through a primary suction tube having an upstream end defining the annular valve seat, and a downstream end coupled to the vacuum hose.
  • the main control valve is pivotally mounted within the plenum chamber for swinging movement between a normal spring-loaded open position spaced substantially to one side of the valve seat, and a substantially closed position to substantially disrupt water flow therethrough.
  • a stop is provided to prevent complete closure of the main control valve in the substantially closed position.
  • water drawn under vacuum through the primary suction tube is effective to draw the main control valve from the normal spring-loaded open position to the substantially closed position, whereupon the water flow through the cleaner head is momentarily disrupted sufficiently to enable the spring-loaded main control valve to return toward the open position.
  • the control valve is oscillated or reciprocated back-and-forth between the open and closed position in a cyclic manner, to induce a succession of pressure fluctuations or pulsations acting along the axis of the primary suction tube.
  • these pressure fluctuations or pulsations have a component of force which is effective to displace the cleaner head generally along a forward path of travel in a series of small steps.
  • the cleaner head may additionally include a bypass suction tube having an upstream end intersecting with the primary suction tube, and a lower or downstream end disposed in close proximity to the perforated disk at a location spaced forward from the foot of the cleaner head.
  • This bypass suction tube provides a secondary suction flow passage for vacuuming debris, particularly such as relatively large debris drawn onto the disk but otherwise too large to pass downwardly through the perforated disk to the suction inlet.
  • a bypass valve is mounted within the bypass suction tube and is resiliently biased to a normal closed position. This bypass valve is oriented to open in response to increased vacuum or negative pressure within the primary suction tube, when the main control valve is in the substantially closed position.
  • bypass valve returns to the closed position in response to decreased vacuum within the primary suction tube, when the main control valve is in the open position. Accordingly, with this construction, the bypass valve cycles between closed and open positions, in opposition respectively to the open and closed positions of the main control valve.
  • Substantially random travel of the pool cleaner over submerged pool surfaces can be enhanced by forming an asymmetric pattern of perforations in the disk.
  • vacuum-induced friction between the disk and the underlying pool surface will be nonuniform at the laterally opposed sides of the cleaner head, resulting in a nonlinear forward path of cleaner travel.
  • This nonlinear path of travel also may be produced by mounting the flexible disk on the cleaner head in a manner permitting disk rotation, and by inclusion of a part-circle and imperforate steering apron projecting laterally from one side of the cleaner head to overlie a selected arcuate segment of the disk to close the perforations therein.
  • an improved pool cleaner referred to generally in FIGURE 1 by the reference numeral 10 is provided for vacuuming debris such as leaves and twigs as well as small particulate such as sand and silt settled onto submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool or the like.
  • the pool cleaner 10 is powered by a suction or vacuum source, such as by connection to a conventional pool water filtration system 12 shown schematically in FIG. 1 , by means of a vacuum hose 14.
  • a suction or vacuum source such as by connection to a conventional pool water filtration system 12 shown schematically in FIG. 1 , by means of a vacuum hose 14.
  • water is drawn through the pool cleaner 10 in a manner for water-borne vacuuming of debris settled onto submerged pool surfaces, and wherein this flow of water provides a power source for driving a main control valve 16 ( FIGS. 5-8 ) in an oscillatory or reciprocatory manner to induce pressure fluctuations or pulsations which drive the cleaner 10 along a forward path of motion in a succession of incremental steps.
  • the pool cleaner 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 coupled via the vacuum hose 14 to the suction side of a pump 18 forming part of the pool water filtration system 12.
  • the vacuum hose 14 is normally connected between a cylindrical suction fitting 20 on the pool cleaner and a skimmer well 22 mounted typically at one edge of the swimming pool at a location generally at the water's surface.
  • the pump 18 draws pool water through the skimmer well 22 (as shown) for discharge flow through a filter canister 24 having a suitable filter media (not shown) therein for filtering and collecting water-entrained debris and particulate. From the filter canister 24, the water is recirculated to the swimming pool typically through a plurality of return lines 26.
  • the pump 18 draws water under a vacuum or negative pressure through the cleaner, wherein this suction water flow is utilized for powering the pool cleaner to travel about in a substantially random pattern within the pool while vacuuming debris settled onto submerged pool surfaces for collection within the filter canister 24.
  • some swimming pools may be equipped with a dedicated suction cleaner flow line (not shown) coupled directly from the pool wall to the filtration system 12, in which case the vacuum hose 14 would be coupled to said suction flow line.
  • the pool cleaner 10 generally comprises a relatively compact outer housing 28 encasing or mounted about an inner housing or head 30.
  • the head 30 includes a lower foot 32 defining a downwardly open suction inlet 34 ( FIG. 6 ) for vacuum inflow of water-borne debris, wherein the foot 32 is surrounded by a generally circular and relatively flexible mat or disk 36 adapted to drape downwardly about the suction inlet 34 to engage the underlying pool surface 38, as shown in dotted lines in FIGS. 3 and 4 . Water-borne debris is drawn through the suction inlet 34 ( FIG.
  • the suction fitting 20 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) preferably comprises a swivel coupling for connecting the upper or downstream end of the primary suction tube 42 to the vacuum hose 14.
  • the outer housing 28 conveniently comprises a relatively lightweight and decorative outer shell of molded plastic components or the like, shaped if desired to include an accessible handle 44 for lifting and carrying the pool cleaner 10.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show the outer housing 28 to include at least one nose wheel 46 rotatably carried at a front edge of the cleaner for rollingly engaging a vertically extending pool side wall surface during cleaner operation, as will be described in more detail.
  • the internal cleaner head 30 also comprises a pair of generally shell-shaped housing members 48 and 50 of molded plastic or the like and adapted for interconnection by screws 52 ( FIG. 5 ) or the like to form a generally dome-shaped and downwardly open structure defining the plenum chamber 40.
  • the housing member 48 further includes the lower foot 32 of generally annular shape defining the downwardly open suction inlet 34 ( FIG. 6 ) through which water-borne debris is drawn into the plenum chamber 40.
  • a lower margin of the foot 32 includes a radially outwardly extending flange 54 adapted to fit through a central opening 56 formed in the resilient disk 36.
  • the disk 36 is formed from a sufficiently resilient plastic or rubber material so that the opening 56 therein can be stretched sufficiently to fit over the foot flange 54.
  • the foot flange 54 is then seated within a ring-shaped shoe 58, as by sliding reception into and snap-fit retention within a generally U-shaped channel 60 to lock the shoe 58 against the underside of the disk 36 surrounding the disk opening 56 as viewed best in FIGS. 3 , 4 , 6 and 7 .
  • the second housing member 50 can then be assembled with the first housing member 48 by means of the screws 52, wherein the two housing members 48, 50 cooperatively define a radially outwardly extending lock rim 59 ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) spaced a short distance above the foot flange 54 to engage the upper edge of the disk 36 bounding the disk opening 56.
  • the assembled housing members 48, 50 of the inner cleaner head 30 also define a cylindrical suction fitting or port 62 ( FIGS. 5-8 ) which forms an outlet at an upper zone of the plenum chamber 40 opening in a direction inclined vertically upwardly and angularly forwardly relative to the foot 32 and the suction inlet 34 defined thereby.
  • This suction fitting 62 is coupled in a suitable manner to a lower or upstream end of the primary suction tube 42 which also forms a portion of the inner cleaner head 30. As shown, the primary suction tube 42 extends further upwardly and forwardly at the same angle of inclination, terminating in an upper or downstream end for connection by the suction fitting 20 to the vacuum hose 14.
  • the main control valve 16 is pivotally supported by the assembled housing members 48, 50 within the plenum chamber 40, at a position generally at the lower or upstream end of the primary suction tube 42. More specifically, as shown best in FIGS. 5-8 , the control valve 16 comprises a valve head 64 shaped to include a part-spherical ball-type surface segment 66 mounted onto a laterally extending shaft 68. One end of the valve shaft 68 is supported by a bushing 70 ( FIGS. 5 and 8 ) on the first housing member 48, and the opposite shaft end carries a spring key 72.
  • This spring key 72 includes an outboard face with a pair of laterally outwardly projecting lugs 74 adapted for seated reception within a corresponding pair of arcuate slots 76 ( FIG. 8 ) formed in an inboard face of an adjustment cap 78.
  • the adjustment cap 78 is sized to fit over a generally cylindrical and laterally open mounting collar 80 formed on the second housing member 50, with a side wing 82 on the cap 78 having an arcuate track 84 therein adapted to receive a lock set screw 86 fastened into a lock post 88.
  • This side wing 82 can thus be accessed from the exterior of the cleaner head and rotationally positioned and then clamped via the set screw 86 relative to the lock post 88, for variably adjusting the rotational position of the cap 78 and the spring key 72 supported therein relative to the mounting collar 80 and the axis of the valve shaft 68.
  • a biasing spring 90 of suitable geometry is provided, such as the illustrative coil spring with opposite ends carried within anchor slots 91 and 93 ( FIG. 8 ) formed respectively in the spring key 72 and in the valve head 64 for rotatably biasing the valve head in one direction.
  • the valve shaft 68 extends laterally through the plenum chamber 40 at a location to extend generally across an upper marginal edge of the open upstream end of the primary suction tube 42, as viewed in FIG. 6 .
  • the ball segment 66 of the valve head 64 is carried off-axis relative to the axis of the valve shaft 68, with the biasing spring 90 urging the valve head 64 to swing the ball segment 66 away from the primary suction tube 42 toward the normally open position. In this normally open position, the upstream lower end of the primary suction tube 42 is substantially open and unobstructed for vacuum inflow of water-borne debris from the plenum chamber 40.
  • valve shaft 68 is shown to be disposed slightly beyond a straight line flow path defined by the primary suction tube 42. Accordingly, in the normally open position, the valve head 64 is positioned substantially to one side of an axial centerline through the primary suction tube 42, to permit substantially unobstructed flow of water-borne debris through said suction tube.
  • the resilient disk 36 carried by the lower foot 32 normally drapes downwardly about the shoe 58 to engage the pool surface 38 surrounding the cleaner head.
  • Water is drawn radially inwardly beneath the disk 36, and also drawn downwardly through an array of perforations 92 formed in the disk 36, and further through a series of downwardly open notches 94 ( FIGS. 3 , 4 , 6 and 7 ) formed in the shoe 58 to sweep debris from the pool surface into the plenum chamber 40.
  • the water-borne flow of debris passes into the open upstream end of the primary suction tube 42 and further to the vacuum hose 14 for flow to the pool filtration system ( FIG. 1 ) which separates and captures the debris while returning filtered water to the pool.
  • a stop 98 such as an adjustably set stop screw is carried by the valve head 64 for contacting an abutment 100 within the plenum chamber 40 to prevent complete closure of the ball segment 66 onto the valve seat 96, whereby there is at least some water flow to the suction tube 42 at all times.
  • valve head 64 As the valve head 64 is abruptly halted at the substantially closed position upon impact contact between the stop 98 and the abutment 100, the sudden loss of momentum in combination with momentary changes in pressure across the valve head enables the biasing spring 90 to swing the valve head 64 rapidly in an opposite direction away from the valve seat 96, toward the open position. This opening movement is accompanied by resumed substantially unobstructed flow of water and debris to the primary suction tube 42 for a brief interval, followed by vacuum-drawn swinging movement of the valve head back toward the substantially closed position.
  • valve head 64 Return closure motion of the valve head 64 is typically assisted by the coil biasing spring 90 which, upon opening movement of the valve head 64 past a static at-rest open position, partially winds the spring 90 in an opposite direction to apply an initial spring force urging the valve head 64 to move back toward the valve seat 96. Accordingly, the valve head 64 is driven in a cyclic or oscillatory fashion, between the open and substantially closed positions. This results in a rapid succession of pressure fluctuations or pulsations within the cleaner head, to induce a water hammer effect acting in the direction of the water flow, namely, upwardly and forwardly generally along the axis of the primary suction tube 42.
  • valve seat 96 from a resilient material having a relatively thin or sharp leading edge as shown, adapted to undergo some flexing in response to these pressure fluctuations as the valve head 64 moves to and from the substantially closed position.
  • the use of the resilient valve seat 96 substantially without direct physical or impact contact with the valve head 64 effectively prevents wear of the valve seat and valve head thereby serving to prolong the service life of the pool cleaner.
  • the cyclic rate of the valve head movement can be adjusted by variably setting the force applied to the valve head 64 by the biasing spring 90.
  • the arcuate track 84 in the side wing 82 of the adjustment cap 78 permits rotatable adjustment of the torsion type biasing spring 90, for selectively increasing or decreasing the applied biasing force as desired.
  • the laterally presented base of the adjustment cap 78 may be perforated to include small apertures 102 ( FIG. 5 ), to accommodate a low circulatory water flow therethrough. This low rate circulation of water through the adjustment cap 78 has been found effective to reduce or eliminate accumulation of fine grit therein, wherein such grit accumulation could otherwise interfere proper operation of the biasing spring 90.
  • the cleaner head 30 may optionally and additionally include a bypass suction tube 104 having a bypass valve 106 mounted therein for coordinated operation with the main control valve 16.
  • the primary suction tube 42 may be formed to include a Y-shaped junction 108 near the upper end thereof for removable mounting of the bypass suction tube 104 which, when employed, extends downwardly therefrom generally in parallel relation beneath the primary tube 42.
  • the bypass suction tube 104 terminates in a lower end spaced a short distance above the resilient disk 36, at a location forward from the foot 32 and related suction inlet 34. This lower end of the bypass suction tube defines a secondary or bypass inlet designed for vacuum-drawn inflow of water and relatively large debris which can tend to collect on the upper face of the disk 36 as the cleaner head moves forwardly within the swimming pool.
  • the bypass valve 106 is mounted within the bypass suction tube 104, and is adapted for cyclic movement between a normally closed position and a pressure responsive open position in coordination with the cyclic operation of the main control valve 16.
  • the bypass valve 106 comprises a valve flap 110 protruding from a sleeve base 112 carried on a shaft 114 extending laterally across a pocket 116 formed along the length of the bypass tube 104.
  • the illustrative bypass tube is formed by interconnected longitudinally mated tube halves, with one end of the valve shaft 114 carried by a bushing 118 on one tube half and the opposite shaft end carried by an adjustment hub 120.
  • the adjustment hub 120 is seated within an open port 122 in a friction collar 124 fastened onto the opposite tube half by screws 126 or the like.
  • a biasing spring 128 of suitable configuration is provided, such as the illustrative coil spring with its opposite ends seated within slots 127 and 129 ( FIG. 9 ) formed respectively within the adjustment hub 120 and an outboard face of the sleeve base 112, so that the torsion-type spring 128 applies a selected biasing force urging the valve flap 110 toward a normal position extending across and closing the bypass suction tube 104 ( FIG. 6 ).
  • the specific magnitude of this biasing force may be adjustably selected by rotatably positioning the adjustment hub 120 within the friction collar 124, by means of an exposed adjustment slot 130 on an outboard face of the hub 120.
  • the normally open main control valve 16 is pivotally displaced between the open and substantially closed positions to induce pressure fluctuations or pulsations for forwardly driving the pool cleaner in incremental steps, as previously described.
  • the vacuum within the primary suction tube 42 momentarily increases to a level sufficient to draw the bypass valve 106 from the normally closed position to the open position, as viewed in FIG. 7 . That is, the increased vacuum, or decreased pressure level, along the primary suction tube 42 causes the bypass valve flap 110 to swing upwardly in the downstream-flow direction to the open position to permit water flow upwardly through the bypass tube 104 and further through the vacuum hose 14 to the pool filtration system 12.
  • bypass valve 106 is cyclically opened and closed in opposition to or out of phase with the main control valve 16, whereby the cleaner is effectively driven forwardly in incremental steps yet water flow through the cleaner head to the vacuum hose 14 is substantially continuous by alternate flow through the primary and bypass suction tubes 42 and 104.
  • the forward motion of the pool cleaner 10 desirably follows a nonlinear path to achieve random travel throughout the swimming pool, so that the cleaner will pick up settled debris from substantially all submerged surfaces of the pool within a relatively short period of time.
  • the pattern of perforations 92 formed in the resilient disk 36 is formed in an asymmetric pattern as shown best in FIG. 5 with more open hole area at one lateral side of the central disk opening 56 than at the other. With this configuration, the side of the disk associated with the smaller open hole area is retained by the vacuum flow through the suction inlet 34 with a greater force, resulting in increased friction between the disk 36 and the underlying pool surface 38 as the cleaner moves forwardly in small steps.
  • the nonlinear forward motion of the cleaner may be further enhanced by providing a nonperforate apron 132 ( FIG. 5 ) overlying a selected arcuate segment of the resilient disk 36 at one lateral side of the cleaner head 30.
  • this apron 132 may include a mounting ring 134 at one side thereof for assembly about the housing members 48, 50 of the cleaner head, at a location sandwiched between the upper side of the disk 36 and the upper lock rim 59.
  • the lock rim 59 formed cooperatively by the two housing members 48, 50 conveniently includes a pair of gaps at the front and rear for seated reception of upstanding ears 136 ( FIGS.
  • the apron 132 comprises a part-circular arcuate and flexible rubber or plastic sheet segment extending radially outwardly from one side of the cleaner head 30, to overlie and close the perforations 92 formed therebelow in the resilient disk 36. Closure of these perforations increases the frictional resistance between the disk 36 and the pool surface 38 at that side of the cleaner head, to contribute further to forward cleaner travel with a nonlinear turning motion.
  • the nonlinear path of travel and overall random travel characteristics may be further enhanced by sizing the central opening 56 in the disk 36 to permit rotation of the disk with its asymmetric pattern of perforations 92 about the cleaner head 30, such that the asymmetric forces causing the cleaner to turn will also cause the disk 36 to rotate slightly upon each incremental forward step.
  • the result is that the frictional resistance between the pool surface and the disk portion underlying the apron 132 varies according to the rotational position of the disk, whereby the curvature of the nonlinear forward path is not constant.
  • the geometry of the housing members 48, 50 conveniently permits partial disassembly to access the main control valve 16, without requiring disassembly of the disk 56. More particularly, as depicted best in FIG. 5 , by forming the annular lower foot 32 and the related foot flange 54 on the first housing member 48, together with a portion of the upper lock rim 59, the second housing member 50 can be disassembled to permit access to the plenum chamber 40 and the control valve 16 therein in the event that service or maintenance is required. Such removal of the second housing member 50 may be performed without removing the resilient disk 36 or the related overlying apron 132. Alternatively, if desired, the housing members 48, 50 may be constructed as a one-piece component, with service access to the control valve 16 being permitted through the laterally open mounting collar 80 upon removal of the cap 78.
  • auxiliary inflow ports are provided to insure at lest some sustained water flow through the cleaner in order to prevent undesired cavitation burn-out of the filtration pump 18.
  • auxiliary inflow ports 138 are formed in the housing members 48, 50 ( FIGS. 2 and 5 ), and additional auxiliary inflow ports 140 are formed in the outer housing 28 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ).
  • the improved suction powered pool cleaner of the present invention thus provides a ball-type main control valve 16 mounted for cyclic movement to induce pressure fluctuations or pulsations for driving the cleaner forwardly in a succession of incremental steps, with the ball-type valve moving to an open position accommodating substantially unobstructed flow of water-borne debris in a manner which is resistant to clogging.
  • the additional bypass suction tube 104 and related bypass valve 106 provide an additional flow path positioned especially for suctioning large debris.
  • the resilient disk 56 provides asymmetric frictional forces causing the pool cleaner to advance along a nonlinear path for improved randomness of travel.
  • the decorative external housing 28 could be omitted and the functional components thereof including the nose wheel 46 and the carrying handle 44 could be provided as a portion of the exterior geometry of the cleaner head 30.
  • the optional bypass valve 106 is shown in the form of a spring-loaded valve flap 110, alternative bypass valve geometries may be used such as a resilient diaphragm valve of the type shown and described in U.S. Patent 5,634,229 . Accordingly, no limitation is intended by way of the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, except as set forth in the appended claims.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Claims (31)

  1. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines destiné à être raccordé à une source d'aspiration, ledit dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines comprenant :
    une tête de nettoyage (30) comprenant des moyens de carter (48, 50) formant une chambre collectrice (40) et une entrée d'aspiration ouverte vers le bas (34) pour l'entrée d'eau et de débris portés par l'eau depuis une surface immergée d'une piscine dans ladite chambre collectrice (40), ladite tête de nettoyage (30) comprenant en outre un tube d'aspiration primaire (42) ayant une première extrémité couplée auxdits moyens de carter (48, 50) en communication fluidique avec ladite chambre collectrice (40) et une seconde extrémité adaptée pour être raccordée à une source d'aspiration, ledit tube d'aspiration primaire s'étendant angulairement vers le haut et vers l'avant depuis lesdits moyens de carter, et ladite première extrémité dudit tube d'aspiration primaire définissant un siège de soupape annulaire (96) ; et
    une soupape de commande (16) comprenant une tête de soupape (64) montée pour se déplacer entre une position ouverte et une position sensiblement fermée disposée à proximité immédiate dudit siège de soupape (96) pour sensiblement obstruer l'écoulement d'eau provenant de ladite chambre collectrice (40) vers ledit tube d'aspiration primaire (42) ;
    ladite soupape de commande comprenant des moyens de sollicitation (90) pour charger par ressort ladite tête de soupape normalement dans ladite position ouverte, moyennant quoi l'écoulement d'aspiration de l'eau provenant de ladite chambre collectrice vers ledit tube d'aspiration primaire entraîne ladite tête de soupape depuis ladite position ouverte vers ladite position sensiblement fermée afin d'interrompre momentanément l'écoulement d'eau vers ledit tube d'aspiration primaire et d'induire une pulsation de pression permettant d'entraîner ladite tête de nettoyage vers l'avant d'un faible pas incrémental et de permettre le mouvement de retour sous l'action du ressort de ladite tête de soupape dans ladite position ouverte,
    caractérisé en ce que
    ladite tête de soupape (64) est montée de manière à pivoter à l'intérieur de la chambre collectrice (40) de sorte que la tête de soupape soit disposée sensiblement sur un côté du siège de soupape (96) dans la position ouverte afin de permettre l'écoulement sensiblement non obstrué d'eau provenant de ladite chambre collectrice (40) vers ledit tube d'aspiration primaire (42), dans lequel ladite tête de soupape (64) comprend un segment de bille (66).
  2. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits moyens de sollicitation comprennent un ressort de sollicitation (90).
  3. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 2, comprenant en outre des moyens pour régler de manière ajustable la force du ressort qui sollicite ladite tête de soupape.
  4. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit siège de soupape (96) est formé à partir d'un matériau résilient.
  5. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 4, dans lequel ledit siège de soupape (96) possède un bord d'attaque relativement mince.
  6. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite soupape de commande comprend en outre des moyens d'arrêt pour maintenir ladite tête de soupape dans une relation au moins légèrement espacée avec ledit siège de soupape (96), lorsque ladite tête de soupape est dans ladite position sensiblement fermée.
  7. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un carter externe sur ladite tête de nettoyage, ledit carter externe supportant en rotation une roue orientable (46) généralement à l'extrémité avant de celui-ci.
  8. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit carter externe comprend en outre une poignée de transport.
  9. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un disque flexible (36) supporté par ladite tête de nettoyage (30) et s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur depuis celle-ci pour entrer en contact avec une surface de piscine immergée en relation de proximité avec ladite entrée d'aspiration (34), ledit disque ayant un motif de perforations (92) formé dans celui-ci.
  10. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit motif de perforations (92) formé dans ledit disque est latéralement asymétrique.
  11. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit disque (36) est monté de manière rotative sur ladite tête de nettoyage (30).
  12. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 9, comprenant en outre un tablier (132) supporté par ladite tête de nettoyage et s'étendant latéralement sur un côté de celui-ci, ledit tablier recouvrant un segment dudit disque afin d'obstruer l'écoulement d'eau à travers une partie des perforations (92) formées dans ledit disque.
  13. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ledit tablier (132) est formé à partir d'un matériau flexible.
  14. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ledit disque est monté de manière rotative sur ladite tête du dispositif de nettoyage, ledit tablier étant monté de manière non rotative sur ladite tête du dispositif de nettoyage.
  15. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 9, dans lequel lesdits moyens de carter comprennent au moins deux éléments de carter interconnectés pour définir ladite chambre collectrice (40) dont ladite soupape de commande (16) est montée à l'intérieur de celui-ci, lesdits éléments de carter étant adaptés pour être démontés pour permettre l'accès à ladite soupape de commande sans nécessiter le démontage dudit disque de la tête de nettoyage.
  16. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 15, dans lequel ladite entrée d'aspiration est définie par l'un desdits éléments de carter.
  17. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 1 dans lequel lesdits moyens de carter définissent en outre au moins un orifice d'entrée d'eau auxiliaire pour l'entrée d'eau vers ladite chambre collectrice.
  18. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre des moyens pour monter ladite soupape de commande à l'intérieur de ladite chambre collectrice, lesdits moyens de montage comprenant des moyens accessibles depuis l'extérieur de ladite tête de nettoyage afin de régler de manière ajustable la force de sollicitation appliquée à ladite tête de soupape.
  19. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 18, dans lequel lesdits moyens pour régler de manière ajustable ladite force de sollicitation comprennent au moins une ouverture d'écoulement pour permettre l'entrée d'eau à travers celle-ci dans la chambre collectrice.
  20. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite tête de nettoyage comprend en outre un tube de dérivation d'aspiration (104) ayant une première extrémité définissant une entrée de dérivation disposée en relation espacée par rapport à ladite entrée d'aspiration, et une seconde extrémité couplée en communication fluidique avec ladite source d'aspiration, et comprenant en outre une soupape de dérivation (106) déplaçable entre une position fermée restreignant sensiblement l'écoulement d'eau à travers ledit tube d'aspiration de dérivation (104) et une position ouverte permettant un écoulement d'eau accru à travers ledit tube d'aspiration de dérivation, ladite soupape de dérivation étant sensible à la pression à l'intérieur dudit tube d'aspiration primaire de manière à se déplacer vers ladite position ouverte lorsque ladite tête de soupape de ladite soupape de commande est dans ladite position sensiblement fermée, et pour le déplacement de ladite soupape de dérivation vers ladite position fermée lorsque ladite tête de soupape de commande est dans ladite position fermée.
  21. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 20, dans lequel ladite seconde extrémité dudit tube d'aspiration de dérivation (104) est couplée en communication fluidique avec ledit tube d'aspiration primaire (42) à un emplacement en aval dudit siège de soupape.
  22. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 20, dans lequel ladite soupape de dérivation (106) est normalement chargée par ressort dans ladite position fermée, et comprend en outre des moyens accessibles depuis l'extérieur de ladite tête de nettoyage afin de régler de manière ajustable la force de sollicitation appliquée sur ladite soupape de dérivation.
  23. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 20, dans lequel ladite entrée de dérivation définie par ledit tube d'aspiration de dérivation (104) est espacée vers l'avant depuis ladite entrée d'aspiration.
  24. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 20, comprenant en outre un disque flexible perforé (36) supporté par ladite tête de nettoyage et s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur depuis celle-ci pour entrer en contact avec une surface de piscine immergée en relation de proximité avec ladite entrée d'aspiration, ladite entrée de dérivation définie par ledit tube d'aspiration de dérivation (104) s'ouvrant au-dessus dudit disque et vers l'avant depuis ladite entrée d'aspiration.
  25. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 20, dans lequel ledit tube d'aspiration de dérivation (104) s'étend généralement parallèlement audit tube d'aspiration primaire (42).
  26. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite tête de soupape dans ladite position ouverte est disposée sensiblement hors alignement avec une ligne centrale dudit tube d'aspiration primaire.
  27. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 1 destiné à être raccordé à une source d'aspiration, ledit dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines comprenant :
    une tête de nettoyage (30) définissant une entrée d'aspiration ouverte vers le bas pour l'entrée d'eau et de débris portés par l'eau depuis une surface immergée d'une piscine et comprenant des moyens pour raccorder ladite entrée d'aspiration à une source d'aspiration ;
    des moyens d'entraînement sensibles à l'écoulement d'eau à travers ladite tête de nettoyage depuis ladite entrée d'aspiration vers la source d'aspiration destinés à entraîner ladite tête de nettoyage à se déplacer dans une direction généralement vers l'avant à l'intérieur de la piscine ; et
    un disque flexible (36) supporté par ladite tête de nettoyage et s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur depuis celle-ci pour entrer en contact avec une surface de piscine immergée en relation de proximité avec ladite entrée d'aspiration, ledit disque ayant un motif de perforations (92) formé dans celui-ci et ouvert à l'écoulement de l'eau à travers celles-ci dans un motif latéralement asymétrique, moyennant quoi l'écoulement d'eau à travers les perforations dudit disque vers ladite entrée d'aspiration entraîne une résistance de frottement latéralement asymétrique entre ledit disque et la surface de piscine immergée afin que ladite tête de nettoyage se déplace selon une trajectoire non linéaire.
  28. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 27, dans lequel ledit disque (36) est monté de manière rotative sur ladite tête de nettoyage.
  29. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 28, comprenant en outre un tablier (132) supporté par ladite tête de nettoyage (30) et s'étendant latéralement sur un côté de celle-ci, ledit tablier recouvrant un segment dudit disque (36) afin d'obstruer l'écoulement d'eau à travers une partie des perforations (92) formées dans celui-ci, laissant ainsi un motif latéralement asymétrique desdites perforations ouvert à l'écoulement de l'eau.
  30. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 29, dans lequel ledit tablier (132) est formé dans un matériau flexible.
  31. Dispositif de nettoyage pour piscines selon la revendication 29, dans lequel ledit tablier (132) est monté de manière non rotative sur ladite tête de nettoyage (30).
EP99942390A 1998-10-21 1999-08-23 Dispositif de nettoyage par aspiration pour piscines Expired - Lifetime EP1040241B8 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US176532 1988-04-01
US09/176,532 US6112354A (en) 1998-10-21 1998-10-21 Suction powered cleaner for swimming pools
PCT/US1999/019085 WO2000023675A1 (fr) 1998-10-21 1999-08-23 Dispositif de nettoyage par aspiration pour piscines

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1040241A1 EP1040241A1 (fr) 2000-10-04
EP1040241A4 EP1040241A4 (fr) 2005-01-05
EP1040241B1 true EP1040241B1 (fr) 2008-06-11
EP1040241B8 EP1040241B8 (fr) 2008-08-13

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EP99942390A Expired - Lifetime EP1040241B8 (fr) 1998-10-21 1999-08-23 Dispositif de nettoyage par aspiration pour piscines

Country Status (9)

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US (1) US6112354A (fr)
EP (1) EP1040241B8 (fr)
AU (1) AU761390B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2314223C (fr)
DE (1) DE69938893D1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2306522T3 (fr)
PT (1) PT1040241E (fr)
WO (1) WO2000023675A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA200002708B (fr)

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CA2314223C (fr) 2007-11-06
EP1040241B8 (fr) 2008-08-13
ES2306522T3 (es) 2008-11-01
ZA200002708B (en) 2001-02-05
US6112354A (en) 2000-09-05
CA2314223A1 (fr) 2000-04-27
PT1040241E (pt) 2008-09-12
EP1040241A4 (fr) 2005-01-05
DE69938893D1 (de) 2008-07-24
EP1040241A1 (fr) 2000-10-04
WO2000023675A1 (fr) 2000-04-27
AU5578199A (en) 2000-05-08
AU761390B2 (en) 2003-06-05

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